SEIZOENSTIPS
Catch falling leaves before they cause pond problems
Remove autumn leaves before they sink and affect your pond’s water quality.
Tip
Catch falling leaves before they cause pond problems
The first leaves may start falling into your pond towards the end of summer. A few leaves are usually not a problem, but larger quantities sink to the bottom and slowly begin to decompose.
As leaves decompose, they consume oxygen and release nutrients into the water. This can increase the layer of sludge, affect water quality and encourage algae growth later.
Regularly remove floating leaves with a pond net. If there are many trees near the pond, install a fine-mesh leaf net over the water in good time. Keep the net stretched above the pond so that the collected leaves do not enter the water.
Check the net regularly and remove the collected leaves. This prevents the net from becoming too heavy or sinking into the pond.
BIOGRO advice
Do not wait for the leaves to sink. Remove them while they are still floating, as this is easier and causes less disturbance to pond life. Leave removed plant material beside the pond briefly so that small aquatic animals can return to the water.